BRENTWOOD

2023-12-04

Zimbabwean Exemption Permit extended (again) to 29 November 2025.

Both the Zimbabwean Exemption permit (ZEP) and the Lesotho 

Exemption Permit (LEP) will continue to be valid until 29 November 2025.

Permit holders will be entitled to work, seek employment, and conduct business, however, holders will not be entitled to apply for permanent residence status and the new permits will not be renewable.

A permit holder can also not change their status in the country and must disclose or register all their minor children born and staying in South Africa.

Permanent residence outside of the exemption permits can be applied for after 5 years, in terms of the Immigration Act. That the ZEP holders cannot apply for permanent residence is a matter already referred to Pretoria High Court to force the Department of Home Affairs to allow ZEP holders, most of whom have been in SA for more than a decade, to apply for permanent residence.

Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said that his minister’s directive will be published in the Government Gazette today.